Convergys Warns Of 200 Layoffs At Watertown Call Center

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Convergys confirmed Friday that it might lay off as many as 200 workers at its call center in Watertown.

Convergys released the following statement:

"A client supported out of Convergys' Watertown, New York, facility has decided to close a portion of its services currently managed through the Watertown site. This decision was made based on the client's business priorities and was not a performance-related issue.

"The decision could impact up to 200 positions, but Convergys is working with existing clients and potential new clients to bring new lines of business to the Watertown site. It is unknown at this point how many of the impacted positions could migrate to other new or existing client work. The specific line of business related to today's notifications will conclude on July 31, 2014.

"We will continue to work with our employees during this transition to keep them informed of opportunities with existing or new clients."

Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Don Alexander said he has been in contact with Convergys officials.

According to Alexander, Convergys said one of their global clients has cut 17,000 workers worldwide and doesn't need the services of the call center.

Convergys employees have told 7 News the client is Sprint.

Convergys officials would only say the client is in the telecommunications industry.

Alexander said Convergys officials have filed the necessary Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification.

Convergys is in negotiations with three other clients in hopes of avoiding local layoffs, Alexander said.

Convergys took over ownership of the call center from Stream Global Services in March.